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What effects do low-calorie sweeteners have on dental health?

Because low-calorie sweeteners cannot be fermented by oral bacteria and do not produce acids that erode tooth enamel, they cannot cause dental decay. In addition, laboratory research on animals has shown that some low-calorie sweeteners (such as xylitol) directly inhibit dental decay by interfering with the metabolism of carbohydrates by oral bacteria � they may limit the growth of decay-causing oral bacteria or reduce the amount of acid that the bacteria produce. Consequently, foods and beverages containing these low-calorie sweeteners support dental health.